The multitiered Nevco food dehydrator can dry a variety of thinly sliced foods at the same time. Open slats in the stacked plastic trays allow warm air to flow from the heater in the base unit up and out past the food. Moisture is slowly wicked away from the food until they become hard and shriveled. Nevco food saver dehydration units have the capacity and power to dry most prepared foods in 36 hours or less.

Things You'll Need

Cutting board

Knife

Steamer basket or insert

Sealing container and jerk marinade

1 quart water

1 tbsp. salt, ascorbic acid or citric acid

Citrus or pineapple juice (optional)

Basting brush

Vegetable oil

Mild dish detergent

Soft sponge

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Prepare the food product for the Nevco food dehydrator. Slice off and discard damaged or moldy sections. Cut the food into 1/4-inch or thinner slices.

Tenderize vegetables and meat before they are loaded into the Nevco dehydrator. Steam blanch vegetable slices for two minutes. Marinate meat slices in sealing containers of jerk marinade in the refrigerator overnight.

Soak fruit slices in a solution of water and salt, ascorbic acid or citric acid for two minutes. This preparation method helps to prevent discoloration and bacterial growth during the drying process. Soak for another two minutes in a citrus or pineapple fruit bath for added flavor.

Lay the slices out on paper towels and pat their surfaces dry. Dip a basting brush in vegetable oil and lightly coat the interior top sides on the slatted trays of the Nevco dehydrator.

Line the trays with the prepared food slices leaving at least a 1/4 inch of space between each piece. Stack the trays on the base unit of the Nevco dehydrator and cover the stacks with the vented lid. Plug in and power on the Nevco food dehydrator.

Open the vents on the base unit and lid of the Nevco dehydrator based on the moisture level of the food product. Slide the base vent to the "1" or "2" position for most medium moisture foods, and all the way open to "3" for moist and dense products like meats. Set the vents in the lid to the same position or one higher than those in the base to produce an upward airflow.

Remove the dried food slices from the Nevco dehydrator when you are satisfied with the moisture level. Allow the dried product to cool completely before bending it to see if it is flexible and moist or crisp and dried.

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Turn off and unplug the empty Nevco dehydrator to clean it thoroughly. Wipe down the all the surfaces of the trays and lid with a slightly soapy sponge. Rinse the soap from the sponge and wipe the suds away from the unit before allowing the pieces to air dry separately.

Tips & Warnings

Store the dehydrated foods in air-tight glass or plastic containers that are food safe. Place the container in a cool, dark and dry pantry or inside the refrigerator.

Leave the food dehydrator unit unplugged or store it in a cabinet when not in use.

Never put Nevco dehydrator parts in the dishwasher or submerge them in water as it may cause permanent damage.